Normal is debatable...

One topic that has been on my mind and in my conversation with patients most recently is the often great disparity between what is “normal” and what is “natural” within our society.  The question I pose to others, “Do you believe there are great consequences to living a life too far outside of what is natural for human beings?”  I believe there is and there is clear research to support this theory when we look at activity levels, nutrition, mental health/outlook, stress management, community and social structures, and much more.

The hypothesis:

The further we move away from nature, the more unintended consequences we inherit.

The hypothetical answer:

Get closer to nature, increase your self-awareness, be a judicious and picky user of technology and modern conveniences.

Why?

To avoid living life on autopilot or in a fast-forward situation, where you are blind to all of the things that matter and chase all of the things that don’t.  We all have to take a step back once in awhile and assess if what we are doing is really leading us in the direction we want to go.  See the “Top 5 Regrets of the Dying” if you think you need a reminder.

There are many examples throughout history and a variety of cultures where what was normal in society was likely unnatural.  Chinese foot binding is an easy example to bully with this theory, but I’m sure you can think of many others (if you cannot, you might need an intervention).  In fact, that’s the point.  Look at the world around you with “new eyes” and question why it is you are doing what you are doing and are you really getting the benefit you desire?

Chinese Foot Binding was a common practice until the 20th Century.
Foot-binding resulted in lifelong disability in most of its subjects.

One of the issues I think we all deal with in this country is the constant incessant marketing to which we are exposed.  Let’s be honest, Americans like to buy answers to their problems.  I’d like to be even more specific and say that Americans like to buy answers their health problems.  One of the more humorous (and less serious) examples of trying to buy health comes from a lawsuit against Coca-Cola for the marketing of Vitamin Water.  See how Coca-Cola tries to cover their own rear end.

Coca-Cola argued in its defense that no reasonable person could be misled into thinking Vitaminwater was a "healthy drink," despite label names such as “Defense,” “Revive,” and “Endurance," for its different flavors of water. Last year, a federal judge rejected this defense, but the outcome of the suit is still pending.  Link to the full story.

So when you make the name of your product something that most people associate with “good health” (vitamins) and then add other snazzy words to describe how the sugar and artificial factory flavors will “revive” you, that’s not misleading?  Okay, you are probably smart enough to know there’s nothing healthy in Vitamin Water (other than H2O), but it’s a little beside the point.  The lesson here is to always take marketing with a healthy hint of skepticism.  No one is immune to being misled.  Many Americans were misled by USDA guidelines telling them not to eat too many eggs or your cholesterol will skyrocket and you’ll die of a heart attack.  None of that is true and the USDA is finally changing its tune based on evidence.  If someone is selling you something, you need to be asking for the research (and eh’hem perhaps actually reading the research study as well).  Unfortunately, companies can and do mislead the public about their products.  I realize how cynical I sound, but it’s important to be honest.  For many companies, it’s about money, not health.  There are few people out there telling you to buy less because no one pays their mortgage with that message.  I am here to suggest to you that there is another way to help yourself and ultimately get better results.

It starts with taking the time and effort to consider natural versus normal in your own life.  While over-weight/obesity is considered normal condition in our country (roughly 2/3 of Americans fall into this category), it is not natural (or rather an ideal situation for your body, quality of life, and longevity).  It is merely normal under the conditions in which we have placed ourselves.  Because I still work primarily with active duty soldiers who have deployed to the Middle East, I often use the deep squat as an example.  In Iraq or Afghanistan, it is perfectly normal for the native people to rest or work in a deeply squatted position without any indication that it feels uncomfortable or painful to them (why would they do it all the time if it were always painful?).  However, most soldiers that come into my clinic are completely unable to perform a natural deep squatting motion and it’s painful to watch some of them try.  Some of them write it off by saying, “I’m just getting old.”  Okay, so how can we reconcile that older people can often easily squat deeply without pain in other cultures?  Is it really in our best interest to write off our limitations without investigation?

Resting in a deep squat position is a common (and normal) practice in many Asian cultures.

Human societies have an excellent track record of taking the natural, trying to improve it, and creating a new normal (along with a new crisis).  Hey if you have an eating problem, I will sell you a pill, pre-packaged food, or a workout program (or all of the above).  Or you could do your own research, journal and modify your diet, and find what works best for your body.

One option is more expensive and you are putting your trust in people who may not have your best interest in mind.  And another major problem, there is less investment on your part, besides the money, you are unlikely doing much learning or real self-improvement.  Any positive change you make isn’t likely to become permanent.

The other option is more work but studies suggests well-formulated elimination diets are the gold standard for finding the foods that work best for your body.  And I bet by the time you finish this process, you’ll be much more likely to stick with the improved diet.  And if you stray, you have the knowledge to know exactly what you’re doing.  It’s a conscious decision.

I’m not implying that there is never a place for professional help or modern medicine, just the opposite really.  Let’s learn what we can change so that we can be happier, healthier, and place a limit to how much we waste our hard-earned money.  If you’re having a problem and need help, get help.  If you need more education (and who doesn’t?), that’s a great route.  But I am always weary of people selling something.  Remember, you want evidence if it exists and you always want to question how your lifestyle affects your condition.  For those individuals wanting change but not wanting to change anything, there will always be someone preying on you.  Information no longer belongs to just the elite of the world.  If belongs to you as much as you seek it.

I want to be open about what I say and do.  It is very important to me to lead a lifestyle that is true to my values.   While it is always a work in progress, it is a labor of love that I enjoy.  Embracing change in myself has always brought about my greatest personal development.  This is my personal breakdown of a few areas I’ve tackled recently and what has changed in my life.

THE CHANGE	THE RESULT
Barefoot as often as possible (walking/running, minimalist shoes when I need shoes)	Dramatic improvement of chronic plantar fascia pain Free of chronic hip pain when running Feet are building strength Improve awareness of running form Running is fun again.
Meditation (& other daily practices to increase awareness & gratitude)	Less overall stress, improved stress management Better communication/relationships
Elimination of added sugar, minimize/eliminate processed food	Sick less often, steadier energy, better mood
Increased variability of training (run, bike, swim, weights/lifting, gymnastics, yoga, and PLAY)	I enjoy “working out” every day Increased consistency & quality of pain-free movement Play improves learning, I’ve learned new movements I couldn’t do before (one-armed hand stand anyone?)

Now I think it’s time to hear from you.  What do you think about the paradigm of natural versus normal?  Is it helpful to promote thoughtful change?  For those of you finding success in your endeavors, what line of thinking helped you get to where you are now?